Steve was retired from Hamilton County Board of Education as a teacher at Woodmore Elementary, and was previously employed by Oak Ridge Nursery School. He was a 1982 graduate of Oak Ridge High School and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a member of Hixson United Methodist Church.
Steve was a lifelong fan of Oak Ridge High School sports, especially the football and basketball teams and followed many players on to their college careers. He was extremely knowledgeable about Tennessee prep football and was known on many forums as “Willie the Wildcat.” Most recently, Steve was an avid fan of ORHS graduate Tee Higgins, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, and he treasured Higgins signed memorabilia.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Sebastian and Henrietta Palmer, and siblings Teresa Palmer (Reza) Zare, Nancy Palmer and Mark (Debbie) Palmer.
Steve is survived by his wife of twenty years, Cyndee Holder Palmer, in-laws Gene and Emalene Holder and dogs Dexter and Daisy. Surviving siblings are Lynn (Jim) Dix, Raleigh, North Carolina; Danny (Amy) Palmer, Industry, Maine; James (Gwen) Palmer, Honolulu, Hawaii; and Mary Palmer (Vince Stevens), Oak Ridge, Tennessee. His many nieces and nephews are Megan (Ryan Thompson) and Bridget Dix; Beth (Jason) Haraldsen; Becki (Shawn) Bugbee; Rae (Steven) Baqui; Sara Palmer (Arlen DeCambre); Eri (Leroy) Fallau; Tai (Waylen) Kenolio; Esmat (Matt Corcoran); Ali and Maria Zare; Matt, Skye and Joe (Joey Alongi) Campbell.
A gathering to remember Steve will be held Monday, March 13, 2023, 11:30 a.m., at Blankenship Field, in Oak Ridge, to be followed by lunch at Big Ed’s.
Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to Oak Ridge High School Athletic Department to benefit the financial needs of student athletes. Oak Ridge High School Athletic Department, 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
